Have you ever wondered how to preserve yam at home for long? Here is a quick guide on how to freeze yam in simple steps without compromising its taste and quality.
This method is for African yam but it can also be used to freeze sweet potatoes as well.
Why do you need to freeze yam
- You can enjoy yam all year round, you can buy yam when it is in season and still fresh
- it is simple and easy and no blanching is required.
- It saves money and reduces food waste, while it does take time to peel depending on how many tubers you need to get through. When you freeze it, it stops it from getting spoiled. Truth be told, I find peeling yam therapeutic.
- Frozen yam can be cooked directly from frozen. Yes, you read that right, there is no need to defrost frozen yam before you boil or fry it.
- Great for food portioning.
Do I need to flash freeze
Flash freezing is a method for preserving food, which involves freezing the food quickly for a few hours before the longer storage in the freezer. It is a better process than conventional freezer storage. This quick freezing method helps to preserve flavor and nutritional value while preventing the formation of large ice crystals that can change a food's texture.
There are two ways to go about freezing peeled raw yam, you can decide to flash freeze it before storing it in the freezer or freeze without flash freezing. Both methods work, but truth be told, you will need to have a big freezer to be able to flash freeze yam because of the quantity.
That said, flash freezing is better than the other method as the yam will remain frozen individually for as long as it is kept in the freezer.
What you will need
Large Ziploc freezer bag
Rimmed baking tray
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Large bowl
How to freeze yam
Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper and fill a bowl with water and set it aside
Slice and peel the yam in circular shapes or strips if you would be frying it. Drop the peeled yam in the bowl of water to stop discoloration. Repeat this process until you have exhausted the tubers of yams you intend to preserve.
Rinse the yam until clean and clear of debris then transfer to a colander to drain water.
Method 1: If you would be flash freezing, arrange the peeled yam on the prepared lined baking sheet in a single layer. Place it in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 hours, afterwards, transfer the frozen yam into a Ziploc bag and return to the freezer. Freeze for 6 months to 1 year.
Method 2: Transfer the cleaned and drained yam into a large Ziploc bag, make sure it is not overcrowded, and don't stack it as well. Close the Ziploc bag making sure to remove excess air as much as possible. Place the yam in the freezer flat if possible and freeze for 6 months to 1 year.
How long to freeze yam
Yam freezes very well, you can store it for up to 1 year depending on how fresh the yam is when you start preserving it.
Do I need to thaw the yam before cooking
No, there is no need to defrost frozen yam before cooking or frying. You can cook it directly from frozen without affecting its taste and quality.
Watch how to make it
What to cook with frozen yam
Asaro (yam porridge)
More how-to recipe
If you preserve your African yam using this article, don’t forget to leave me feedback. Tag me @myactivekitchen on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest
How To Freeze Yam
Ingredients
- 1 tuber of yam
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper and fill a bowl with water and set it aside
- Slice and peel the yam in circular shapes or strips if you would be frying it. Drop the peeled yam in the bowl of water to stop discoloration. Repeat this process until you have exhausted the tubers of yams you intend to preserve.
- Rinse the yam until clean and clear of debris then transfer to a colander to drain water.
Method 1
- If you would be flash freezing, arrange the peeled yam on the prepared lined baking sheet in a single layer. Place it in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 hours, afterwards, transfer the frozen yam into a Ziploc bag and return to the freezer. Freeze for 6 months to 1 year.
Method 2
- Transfer the cleaned and drained yam into a large Ziploc bag, make sure it is not overcrowded, and don't stack it as well. Close the Ziploc bag making sure to remove excess air as much as possible. Place the yam in the freezer flat if possible and freeze for 6 months to 1 year.
Turned out great! I look forward to eating my garden yams all year.
Thanks a lot this was so educating.